Nepal is facing one of its most turbulent political crises in recent years, as nationwide Gen Z–led protests turned violent, claiming multiple lives and sparking widespread destruction. According to reports from NDTV and Nepali media outlet Khabarhub, former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal’s wife, Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, died after protesters allegedly set their residence in Dallu on fire. Family sources confirmed that rescuers pulled her from the burning house, rushed her to Kirtipur Burn Hospital in critical condition, but she succumbed to her injuries during treatment.
The protests, which began as a peaceful movement against the government’s ban on social media platforms, escalated dramatically after security forces reportedly opened fire on demonstrators, killing at least 19 youths and injuring over 500 others. Social media influencers, including Miss Nepal Earth 2022 Sareesha Shrestha, claimed that security forces shot several students in school uniforms and accused police of entering hospitals and attacking the injured — accusations that shocked the nation.
Protesters have since set fire to several key government buildings, including Nepal’s Parliament, the President’s Office, the Supreme Court, and homes of top political leaders such as President Ram Chandra Paudel and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. Hours before resigning, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s private residence was also torched.
The movement reflects growing public anger over corruption and political mismanagement. “What began as peaceful demonstrations has become a national tragedy,” said activist Ruth Khadka on TikTok.
With curfews imposed across major cities and schools shut, Nepal stands at a crossroads. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for restraint and dialogue to prevent further bloodshed.